About us

Entrepreneursinvesting inentrepreneurs

We are an independent investment company that invests in inspirational entrepreneurs and their companies. We help entrepreneurs reach their full potential and achieve healthy sustainable growth. When we invest, we fully commit ourselves. This is what we call Committed Capital.

Since 2004, 5square has been the investor of choice for ambitious entrepreneurs.

Our philosophy

We don’t invest in sectors. We invest in people.

Our intuition about people is probably the most important aspect of our work.

5square is convinced that a sustainable strategy leads to above average returns. To us, a sustainable strategy is one that explicitly creates both social and financial yields. As an investor, this means that the return must reflect the costs and efforts of all parties. There are no free lunches.

The dedication and mindset of the entrepreneur are vital in producing a sustainability-focused strategy. Entrepreneurs and investors must always maintain a critical stance and be aware of the role they play in society.

Trust, commitment and transparency; together they create a culture where people, resources and capital can reach their greatest potential.

This environment breeds energetic, innovative and optimistic companies. Companies that are capable of taking responsible risks and achieving healthy returns.

WHY 5SQUARE We’ve been there. We know what it’s like to feel the excitement. The thrill of new opportunities or being on the verge of change. The buzz. The adrenaline. The endless workload. The stress when things don’t go as planned. The ups and downs. The relationships tested. The relationships lost. The struggles in an uncertain economic climate. The challenges. The solutions. The breakthroughs. The taste of success.

With 5square as an investor, you have a pragmatic entrepreneur that brings focus, vision and results – along with a dose of positive energy. Yes, we provide capital, but more importantly, we become your partner. We don’t pretend to know more about your sector than you do. We are here to support you. 24 hours a day.

OUR HISTORY

5square was founded in 2004 by Remco van den Heuvel and Mark Gitsels. Their combined 20+ years of extensive experience ran the gamut from the corporate arena to the entrepreneurial world. Remco and Mark worked on national and international transactions concerning corporate finance, (re)financing and strategy processes for global firms such as ABN AMRO and ING.

In March 2005, they had their first successful collaboration with the acquisition of Greve shoe factory in Waalwijk, the Netherlands. Until 2011, 5square took interests in various business enterprises – not only as a shareholder but as a hands-on advisor to management in growth and turn­around processes.

In 2011, the decision was made to combine their knowledge, experience and vision on the market and start investing via funds. The first 5square fund was established in May 2011.